Bo Bichette makes strong statement about Blue Jays managerial change

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette said he did not disagree with the front office’s decision to fire manager Charlie Montoyo.

The Toronto Blue Jays have not lived up to their lofty expectations entering the 2022 season. After going 46-42 on the year and narrowly holding onto the final AL Wild Card spot on July 13, the Blue Jays decided they have seen enough from manager Charlie Montoyo and fired him. Replacing him on an interim basis for the remainder of the season is bench coach John Schneider.

Following the news, shortstop Bo Bichette spoke about the team’s decision to fire Montoyo. The quote comes via Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.

“I think we needed something to send us in the right direction,” said Bichette, h/t Sportsnet. “This is not my area to worry about. We’ll come to the field ready to play as hard as we can. The front office has made their decision on what they thought was necessary. I don’t disagree.”

Bo Bichette speaks on Charlie Montoyo’s firing by Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have been one of the more active teams in the league in the past couple of years, whether it was in free agency or on the trade market. Yet, they missed out on the postseason last year, and they watched as the New York Yankees built a double-digit lead in the AL East over them, the Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, and Baltimore Orioles this season.

Prior to Montoyo’s firing, the Blue Jays lost 9 of their last 11 games, causing them to hold a narrow half-a-game hold of the final Wild Card spot over the Seattle Mariners entering July 13.

After being hired in 2018, Montoyo led the Blue Jays to just one postseason trip (2020), where they were swept in the first round by the Rays. Overall, Montoyo had a 236-236 record as Blue Jays skipper.

Schneider’s stint as interim manager got off to a good start on Wednesday night, as they defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 8-2.

The Blue Jays will aim to make the postseason this year. What will be worth monitoring, however, is what decision the Blue Jays make regarding the managerial position once the season ends.